We’re all familiar with the career admonition to pay it forward, but our guest on this episode of Leaders With Ambition is also all about paying it back. William Washington III, Global Chief Financial Officer at Baker McKenzie, shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana how he surmounted transgenerational trauma to build an exemplary life.His tireless work ethic is the underpinning for consistent achievement as a non-traditional student, a Black man in white-dominated corporate spaces and as a mentor to those who, as he once did, are yearning for support.William highlights lessons learned about the power of vulnerability and inclusion as well as milestones that have shaped both his personal ethic and singular upward trajectory. He reflects on the drivers behind a deep hunger for excellence and the fierce effort to match.Learn about the importance of developing healthy habits – from sleep hygiene to targeted reading materials – and the transformational impact coaching can have when you’re ready to make a professional quantum leap.Today William oversees all finances for Baker McKenzie, including $3.5 billion of annual revenue across 46 countries. “It’s really about finding that opportunity,” says our Washington, D.C.-based guest. “Was I lucky? Was it serendipity? Was it a spiritual force? I think it’s all of that. But the key takeaway is to never give up – and look for that opportunity.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to William Washington III02:20 The Journey to CFO: Overcoming Challenges07:27 Finding Opportunities and Perseverance11:45 Intentionality in Career Development15:28 The Impact of Executive Coaching20:47 Leadership Through Authenticity and Vulnerability22:34 Paying It Forward: Mentorship and Community Engagement26:36 Giving Back: A Lifelong Commitment29:55 Prioritizing Time: The Key to Balance30:11 Career Growth: Embracing New Opportunities34:38 Leadership: Empowering Teams for Success37:39 Education: The Path to Opportunity42:02 Diversity and Inclusion: Building Stronger Workplaces46:30 Navigating Challenges: The Role of a Global CFO48:50 Words of Wisdom: Giving 110% in Every Role